Schuster: Some Atletico fans prefer semi-final defeat than a Real Madrid final

Atletico Madrid have returned to the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons, yet former player Bernd Schuster knows some supporters would rather exit in the semis than suffer further final heartbreak at the hands of his other former team Real Madrid.

Having already been defeated by Los Blancos in Lisbon and Milan, the German suggested they'd prefer to lose to Juventus or Monaco than watch the white confetti fall from the Cardiff sky in May.

"Some of my Atletico-supporting friends have told me they'd rather lose in the semi-finals than play Real Madrid in another final," he revealed, speaking highly of Zinedine Zidane's side.

"Real Madrid have more squad depth and that's very important in a long season.

"Having the best squad doesn't always bring you success, but [Zidane] knows how to get the best out of this team.

"They played great in the tie against Bayern Munich and are a worthy semi-finalist."

Luckily for Schuster's friends, however, he doesn't think the two capital city sides will be kept apart in the draw.

"I'm convinced we'll have a derby in the semi-finals," he said.

The 57-year-old also reflected on Barcelona's campaign and their exit at the hands of Juventus.

"Barcelona lost the tie in Turin," he said, echoing the post-match words of Luis Enrique.

"I don't understand how they made the same mistakes there as in Paris.

"Barcelona have had a very colourful year.

"Their players haven't been motivated against smaller teams and they've dropped so many points that it could cost them LaLiga, while Luis Enrique has also made too many system changes."

Finally, he looked ahead to Sunday's Clasico and dismissed the notion that the midweek results could have an effect.

"Barcelona come into it on the back of their Champions League elimination, but that will be behind them by the time they take to the field," he said.

"If Barcelona lose then they can say goodbye to LaLiga.

"In the [Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu, Real Madrid are the favourites."

That top-of-the-table clash kicks off at 20:45 CET this Sunday evening, with the capital city side already three points ahead and with a game in hand.